Nollywood stars take much of the credit for movie excellence in the industry, with little recognition given to those who actually produce the movies. Hence, the question here is: how much do you know about Nollywood movie producers?

Today, Nigerian home videos are filled with glamour, intriguing scenes and exciting characters. Much of this is down to the ingenuity of Nigerian movie producers. In fact, an actor’s role in any movie is wholly dependent on the script written for him by the producer, and as directed by the director. In simpler terms, the producers/directors are actually the brains behind the growth of Nollywood; however, the actors/actresses appear to take all the credit.

Although, these producers are not getting as much recognition as their acting counterparts, their earnings aptly cover for the inadequacy.

Top 10 Richest Movie Producers, Filmmakers in Nigeria And Net Worth

Note: Virtually all top Nollywood actors (and actresses) are now producers, and a good number of producers also act. However, this list focuses on only bonafide (full time) film producers in Nollywood.

AY Makun

AY Makun is obviously not the biggest movie producer in the industry. In fact, he has only being active for about half-a-decade or thereabout. However, since he bursted onto the scene, he has produced a number of top-grossing movies. Notable mentions in this regard include 30 Days in Atlanta (2014), A Trip to Jamaica (2016), 10 Days in Sun City (2017) and more.

His most recent production, Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demon (2018), is currently the 5th highest grossing movie in Nollywood, with a gross earning of 250 million Naira (and still counting).

Although, AY Makun acquired much of his wealth via comedy, he has made his mark as one of the richest movie producers in Nigeria today.

AY Makun’s net worth has been estimated in the region of $3 million (1.1 billion Naira).

Tunde Kelani

The 70-year old producer is probably the most respected Nollywood producer today. He has to his credit a good number of classic Nollywood movies, which stretched from the 1990s to date. His most prominent production, however, remain Saworoide, which was produced and released in 1999.

The septuagenarian is a mentor to most leading contemporary producers, notably Kunle Afolayan, who featured in the 1999 classic – Saworoide – as a rookie actor. Other notable productions of the legendary producer include Dazzling Mirage (2014), Arugba (2010), Maami (2011), Thunderbolt (Magun) and many more.

Few years back, the veteran producer launched a web TV named “Opomulero TV”. And this has further boosted his wealth profile.

Tunde Kelani’s net worth has been estimated in the region of 30 million Naira.

Kunle Afolayan

Kunle Afolayan is one of the most sought-after movie producers in this modern era of Nollywood. He is a renowned producer, director and actor, who is best known and applauded for his remarkable work in the movie titled October 1 (2014)

The star producer/director has produced/directed a good number of top selling Nollywood movies. Some of these include The Figurine (2009), October 1 (2014), The CEO (2016), The Tribunal (2017) and more.

Kunle Afolayan has a net worth in the region of 270 million Naira.

Kemi Adetiba

Kemi Adetiba is one of the most prominent contemporary producers/directors in Nollywood. She has carved a niche for herself in the industry, with a number of top-grossing movies under her belt. Aside being a movie producer and director, Kemi Adetiba is also a music video director. She has worked with the likes of Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Lynxx and others in the music industry

Some of the top-grossing movies she has produced/directed include King of Boys (2018) and The Wedding Party (2016). It’s Her Day, King Women, and Brotherhood (yet to be released). The Wedding Party (1 and 2) remains the highest grossing movie in Nollywood, with a combined of earning of about 1 billion Naira.

Kemi Adetiba’s net worth is not made public. However, estimates have put her net worth in the region of 55 million Naira.

Tchidi Chikere

Tchidi Chikere is an award-winning movie producer and director. He has produced about fifty movies so far, with some of them making the list of top-grossing movies in Nollywood. The movie producer has also debuted in the music scene, with a number collaborations under his belt.

Some of his top productions include Dumebi, Blood Sister (2003), Mad Couple, Beautiful Soul (2008) and many more.

The 42-year old producer/director has inked his name in the history book of Nollywood, with an illustrious career that has, so far, stretched over 2 decades.

Tchidi Chikere has an estimated net worth of 30 million Naira.

Emem Isong

Emem Isong is one of the top movie producers/directors in the Nigerian movie industry. She is one of the leading screenwriters of “new generation Nollywood”, having written the scripts of many top Nollywood movies for the past 10 years.

Some of her top – high grossing – movies include Code of Silence (2015) Ayamma (2014), Knocking on Heavon’s Door (2014), Apaye (2014) and many more.

The multi-talented producer has an estimated net worth of 41 million Naira.

Teco Benson

Teco Benson is a top-rated movie producer, with a myriad of productions under his belt. He has won numerous awards to validate his achievements, and some of these awards include AMAA and Best of Nollywood Awards. Also, he was honoured with the MFR (Member of the Order of the Federal Republic) national title in 2012, by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Some of the top productions of Teco Benson include Blood Diamond (2003), High Blood Pressure (2010), Two Brides And A Baby (2011), Accident (2013) and Mr & Mrs Chapter 2 (2017) among others.

Teco Benson has an estimated net worth of 29 million Naira.

Muyiwa Ademola

Popular Yoruba actor/producer, Muyiwa Ademola, whose productions are known for their intriguing story lines, has made his mark as one of the best and richest movie producers in the industry. He has been nominated for (and won) several awards for his exceptional productions.

Some of his most popular movies include Bipolar (2018), Eyinju Eledumare (2014), Ori (2004) and many more.

Muyiwa Ademola has an estimated net worth of 35 million Naira.

Chico Ejiro

Chico Ejiro, fondly called Mr. Prolific, is a popular movie producer/director. He made his mark in Nollywood since way back in the early 2000s. At this time, he was reported to have produced/directed about eighty movies within the space of five years.

His top movie productions include Treasures (series), Deadly Kiss, OutKast and more. He has won several awards for his exceptional productions, And in the process, he has built himself a commendable wealth profile.

Chico Ejiro’s net worth has been roughly estimated in the region of 23 million Naira.

Okey Ezugwu

Okey Ezugwu is a prominent name in the movie production sector. Aside being a producer, he is also a top-rated distributor. As such, he handles the distribution of most of his movies. He is the Secretary of FVPMAN – Film, Video Producers & Marketers Association of Nigeria

Notable productions of Okey Ezugwu include I Believe (2018), Brother’s Keeper (2014), The Friend Zone (2017) and many more.

The star producer’s net worth has been estimated in the region of 18 million Naira.